Sergeant Major John W. Schlaud was born in Flint, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 12, 1998. Upon graduation, he attended MCT and then reported to Fort Leonard Wood to obtain the MOS of 1345. Next, he was assigned to 2nd LSB and deploy with the 26th MEU and participated in Exercises Atlas Hinge in Tunisia, Northern Approach in Turkey, NATO exercise Destined Glory 2000 in Greece and Turkey, and Croatian Phibex 2000 in Croatia. He deployed again to the Mediterranean Sea but was redirected through the Suez Canal to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Swift Freedom in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In October of 2002, he was assigned as a Primary MOS Instructor to the Basic Engineer Equipment Operators Course. In December of 2005, he transferred and deployed with 9th ESB to Al Anbar Province, Iraq from Feb to Sep 2006 for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In March 2007, deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom with CLB-4. In June 2008, he attended Drill Instructor School MCRD Parris Island and was assigned to 2nd Bn, and then to Support Battalion as a Swim Instructor and served as the Chief Instructor for MCIWS course. In September 2011, he was transferred to Mt. Clemens, Michigan as the HE Chief and Company First Sergeant for Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS)-471. In June 2014, he was transferred to 1st Supply Bn, where he initially took over as the H&S Company First Sergeant. In February 2015, he was transferred to CLB 1 and deployed with 1st Bn, 4th Marines as a part of the MAGTF of the MRF-D. Upon return from deployment, he served in the capacity as the Battalion Sergeant Major of CLB 1 for six months, and then as the H&S Company First Sergeant. Next, he transferred to the 1st Bn, 1st Marine Regiment, for Company A and deployed with the 31st MEU. In March 2019, SgtMaj Schlaud was selected to his current rank and reported to MCRD Parris Island, to serve as the 2nd Bn Sergeant Major. On April 30th, 2021, he reported to HMLA 367, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and in December 2021, he transferred to VMM 363. In March 2023, he assumed the duties as the 15th MEU Sergeant Major. August 2025 SgtMaj Schlaud assumed his current post as the CLR-2 2d MLG Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
His personal awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medal, and four Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
August 2001 SgtMaj Mintz transferred to MALS-14 MCAS Cherry Point, NC for duty. August 2003 SgtMaj Mintz transferred to MWHS-1 1st MAW Okinawa, Japan as an AMMRL Manager. August 2004 SgtMaj Mintz transferred to Blount Island Command Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) AMMRL Program Manager and Operations Chief. October 2007 SgtMaj Mintz reported to Drill Instructor School MCRD Parris Island, SC. Upon completion of DI School SgtMaj Mintz reported to Company G, 2d RTBN for duty where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Chief Drill Instructor until December 2010. SgtMaj Mintz transferred to MALS-12 Iwakuni, Japan as the AMMRL Program Manager. In February 2012 SgtMaj Mintz was selected to assume the duties of the Unit Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) for Personnel Support Detachment Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12 until March 2013.
April 2013 SgtMaj Mintz deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan to fill a Joint Individual Augment billet as a SEL, in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. October 2013 Sergeant Major Mintz returned to MALS-12 and was selected to the rank of First Sergeant in December 2013. May 2014 Sergeant Major Mintz assumed the duties of a Unit SEL for 2d BN 5th MAR 1st MARDIV Camp Pendleton, CA where he completed two 31st MEU deployments in 2015 and 2017. July 2017 SgtMaj Mintz executed a PCA to 1st Marine Raider Battalion MARSOC as the Unit SEL for Headquarters and Service Company until January 2018.
February 2018 SgtMaj Mintz reported to MAG-49 Detachment C 4th MAW as the I&I Site Command SEL, comprised of HMLA-773 DET A, VMR Belle Chasse and Marine Detachment FRC New Orleans, LA. June 2020 SgtMaj Mintz reported to 2d LAR BN 2d MARDIV Camp Lejeune, NC as the Command SEL. January 2022 SgtMaj Mintz reported to MAG-14 2d MAW Cherry Point, NC as the Command SEL. January 2024 SgtMaj Mintz assumed his current post as the Command SEL of CLR-2 2d MLG Camp Lejeune NC.
Sergeant Major Mintz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management with a concentration in leadership from American Public University. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and various service and campaign medals.